Delta College Women’s Outstanding Performance Against Lake Michigan College, 80-57
UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI – The Delta College women's basketball team delivered a commanding performance on December 14, 2024, defeating Lake Michigan College 80-57 in Pioneer Gym. The Pioneers set the tone early, built momentum in the second quarter, and never looked back, improving their record to 3-9. Lake Michigan College dropped to 1-6.
Steady Start, Explosive Second Quarter
The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Delta led 17-15 at the end of the first quarter. However, the Pioneers surged ahead in the second, outscoring Lake Michigan 27-14, thanks to their improved shooting and relentless rebounding. Guard Ja'Leeah Griggs led the charge with 17 points and nine rebounds, while forward Carah McCrum added seven points and six rebounds.
Team Effort in the Second Half
Delta College maintained their dominance in the third quarter, where they outscored Lake Michigan 22-9. Freshman guard Jaelyn Ayala was the standout performer, coming off the bench to contribute a game-high 20 points, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and 9-for-11 from the free-throw line. By the time the fourth quarter began, the Pioneers had a commanding lead, allowing Coach Jason Brown to rotate the bench and give reserves valuable minutes.
Key Stats
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Rebounding Dominance: Delta out-rebounded Lake Michigan 54-37, including 14 offensive boards that led to second-chance opportunities.
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Balanced Scoring: Delta's depth was on full display, with four players scoring in double figures.
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Bench Impact: The Pioneers' bench accounted for 42 points, compared to Lake Michigan's four.
Looking Ahead
Delta College hopes to carry this momentum into their next game Saturday, January 11th at home against Kirtland Community College. Meanwhile, Lake Michigan College will regroup and seek their second win of the season as they prepare for their upcoming matchup.
This decisive victory highlighted the Pioneers' potential, offering a glimpse of the bright future ahead for Delta College women's basketball.